Knicks' Jalen Brunson Ready to Play First Game in Dallas Since Mavs Departure

Knicks star Jalen Brunson is set to play his first game in Dallas since his free agency departure in 2022, but Mavs' superstar Luka Doncic will not be involved.

DALLAS — When the Dallas Mavericks face off against the New York Knicks on Thursday, it'll mark the first game Jalen Brunson will have played at American Airlines Center since his free agency departure in 2022. 

Ahead of the matchup, Brunson conveyed Dallas's importance to his journey, having spent the first four years of his NBA career — including a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 — calling it a place that "meant a lot to me."

“That place meant a lot to me, it means a lot to me,” Brunson said. “My first four years [in the NBA], they introduced me to the league, they gave me my chance, they built me up. The organization and those guys over there, they mean a lot to me.”

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Brunson was sidelined when the Knicks came to Dallas last season when Luka Doncic recorded the NBA's first-ever 60-20-10 game. With a late-game heroic play by Doncic throwing up a putback after a missed free throw to force overtime, the Mavs eventually achieved the 126-121 victory. 

“We had everyone out in that game … and basically, it was a free-throw rebound at the end of the game,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “And I think that we had some calls go against us that were incorrect. I remember it vividly.”

Brunson has achieved new heights since taking over the floor general role with the Knicks, averaging 24.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 116 games, including regular season and playoffs. He has emerged as one of the top guards in the NBA, even orchestrating a first-round series win over the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. 

Luka Doncic Says Mavs Miss Knicks Breakout Star Jalen Brunson 'A Lot'

While Brunson will play his first game in Dallas, it won't be his first against Doncic at American Airlines Center. Doncic has been ruled out due to a right ankle sprain after dealing with the injury during Tuesday's letdown against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite not having Doncic alongside him, Kyrie Irving still embraces the challenge. 

"We know they're coming in with the utmost energy and got a great point guard, Jalen [Brunson], leading them and other guys that are filling in their roles," Irving said. "They had a big trade, so we get the first look here at the AAC against the New York Knicks. Looking forward to the challenge."

Doncic has played just one game against Brunson since his departure, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on Dec. 3, 2022, in a win at Madison Square Garden. Brunson finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and three assists.